CAMO MEETS COUTURE IS ONE

When it comes to remembering dates and anniversaries, I am the absolute worst. Naturally when {camo meets couture} one year mark rolled by it completely slipped my mind. And just like that this little blog is now one years old.

I first started {camo meets couture} on a whim but never in my wildest imagination thought I'd still be here blogging today. What could I possibly have to write about week after week, and who in their right mind would even want to read it? What began as a way out of my creative void has now very much become a way of life. I am so ever thankful for the wonderful opportunities and friends this blog has brought forth.

This past weekend the family and I found ourselves in a most remarkable location. A yellow sea of rapeseed flowers as far as the eyes could see converging on the horizon with the most brilliant shade of blue. The very essence of Spring. It served as the perfect opportunity to put together a special little photoshoot to commemorate {camo meets couture} very first birthday.

Thank you all so much for the continued support, it means the world.

{ wearing : target blouse available instore only // asos skirt sold out but similar here and here // karen walker sunglasses // michael kors pumps // celine bag // michael kors watch // kookai belt }

ON BOSTON AND HUMANITY

Being a military family, my husband constantly tells me how much evil exists in the world. He says most people are naive and fail to accept reality. I tell him he's wrong, that people just choose to see the good in every situation. As I am typing this, I suddenly realise he's right, that to an extent we ARE all naive.

When I first learnt of the Boston explosions, I tried to rationalise saying perhaps it was a troubled teen who accidentally set off firecrackers? My husband shook his head and called me "blonde". Look at the situation he said, it's clearly terrorism.

"Oh did they officially declare that?" I asked.

"Just look at the facts- multiple detonations, multiple locations, mass carnage." He replied.

Of course, being a seasoned veteran it's easy for him to read these kind of situations. Those who deal with world events on a daily basis exist in a different reality to the rest of us. To them, we look like pawns who walk through life in a merry little bubble. It's not our fault we view the world in rose tint glasses, we just simply do not have the same access to information. Surprisingly, it is also we, the ordinary folks who have this immense influence over how the world is run. The power of the individual was none more present than during the aftermath of the Boston bombings. Emergency and police departments took to social media to help spread their messages. Tell everyone we need more blood they tweeted, tell everyone to steer clear of the blast zone, tell everyone our blood supply is at full capacity but will need more donations next week...

We as a nation are a compassionate bunch. Our biggest fear and disbelief is that there are people out there who's sole purpose is to hurt us. It's something we often fail to comprehend and as a result are quick to blame ourselves for their selfish acts. Were we not nice enough? Did we offend them? Could we have done something different?

It is exactly this compassion and kind heartedness that evil doers take advantage of, it also happens to be the very thing that differentiates us.

If there is anything we can take away from the Boston bombings, it's that this country refuses to be pushed around. Sure you can try to wreak havoc but it will only unite us stronger. Darkness may have descended for a few hours on Monday but once the smoke cleared it was a scene of hope, faith and love. People came together from all walks of life to help out in any way they could. It's clear that humanity isn't lost, some people just choose the wrong path.

My husband may be right, there is a lot more evil in this world than we care to admit, but I'm going to continue believing in the good not because I'm naive, but because that's who I am. We cannot let any amount of terrorism or fear change our identity.

Thank you for reading. I know this space is usually reserved for frivolities, but posting on anything else this week just seemed insignificant. We will be back to our regular features next week.

April Showers $500 Giveaway

Hi friends, oh do I have a treat for you today. Together with some amazing bloggers we've teamed up to bring you the mother of all giveaways. April Showers usually brings May flowers, but this April Shower can bring you a $500 VISA Gift Card! I know, I know, after all it is April Fools Day but let me promise you this giveaway is the real deal. 

Use the Rafflecopter below to complete all of the mandatory entries for your chance to win. For more chances, unlock the bonus entries and complete as many as possible. Good luck stylish readers!

Brought to you by these lovely ladies...

 The Serena Saga / Chioma's Evolution of Style / Kacie's Kloset / Here & Now / Kelsey Bang

She is Lovely / Chasing Davies / Addicted 2 Etsy / simplyxclassic / A Devine Live

Twenties Girl Style / Handbags & Handguns / Opal & Violet / The Mrs. & The Momma / JennifHsieh

 Just Dawnelle / Walking in Memphis in Heels / The Winthrop Chronicles / My Thrifty Chic / Citrus Refreshing Fashion

The Freckled Fox / The Chic Sheet / Camo Meets Couture / Dancing With Ashley / Delightful Deets

Make sure you stop by and visit all of these lovely ladies to let them know how you would spend $500.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:

The April Showers Giveaway is for one USD $500 Visa Gift Card. This giveaway is open internationally to people 18 years and older. The giveaway will run from Monday April 1st, 2013 12:01 AM to Monday 15th April 2013 11:59 PM. ALL mandatory entries must be completed in order to win, including the winning entry. Once you have completed the mandatory entries, the optional bonus entries will be unlocked. Optional bonus entries are not required to win, but will increase your chances of winning. ALL entries WILL be verified, so please be honest in completing the entries. The winner will be announced on this Rafflecopter after the winner's entries are verified and the winner is contacted via email. To claim your prize, please respond to the email within 24 hours, failure to do so will result in a re-draw. Once the winner has been selected, the decision is final. This giveaway is not affiliated with Visa, Facebook, Bloglovin, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platform. 

Spring Must-Haves

While I usually like to start the week off with a new outfit posts, this week I'll have to dazzle you with something different as my trusty little storage device died right before I started writing this post. Ah the perils of modern technology. Since my previous post was all about Spring staples that I revisit year after year, I thought it was only fair to share a few new items that's been on my radar lately. Usually I like to  steer clear of trends but this season it seems like there are a few items that could live on to become wardrobe basics. What do you think?

{one} 
Distressed white jeans: minimal and chic. This season, I'm really loving all the distressed versions of this classic jean. Although white jeans are everywhere right now, chances are you'll still love them long after they're out of the spotlight.

Paige denim white distressed skinny jeans  $199

{two}
It's been awhile since I've been this excited by a piece of jewellery. Despite the heavy price tag I have a feeling these rings are going to be on everyone's fingers, if not already. I guess it's time to retire all those bib necklaces collected over the last year. 

Balenciaga tube rings $765 // Asos band rings $13.56 // Boticca band wave ring $66

{three}
It feels like I am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of sandals. Something casual but not sloppy looking, something versatile and not too trendy, something comfortable but still elegant... The geniuses at Loeffler Randall have finally achieved that elusive middle ground with a sandal that's both timeless and in vogue. Now which colour? 

Loeffler Randall white sandals $295 // Loeffler Randall lucite gold sandals $325 // Loeffler Randall dark camel sandals $295

{four}
The moto trend has been around for a while and it doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. I really love the idea of layering a white moto vest over everything for Spring. It's an instant update to what you'd normally wear and plus you get instant street cred.
Man Repeller x PJK silk moto vest $298 // Rebecca Taylor tweed moto vest $395 // F21 faux leather vest $27.80

{five}

Comfy sweatpants in a leopard print? Well now, that just ticks all the right boxes. I think by now it's obvious that anything in leopard is an instant classic. Well almost anything, let's not forget about the existence of the Shore Store, ahem. 

Zoe Karssen leopard sweatpants $135

Spring Style Staples

Every year as the days start to get longer and the sun shines a little brighter, I dig into the deep abyss that is my wardrobe and dust off a few basic pieces to see me through the new season. I call these my Spring Staples. These are the pieces that become building blocks to the rest of my outfits. A sort of blank canvas, if you will, to add playful and seasonal touches. Here are the top five fail-safe items that I bring out year after year:


one . classic trench
What can I say about a classic trench coat that hasn't been said before? If you do not own one yet, I really recommend you consider investing. While I usually wear mine over dresses or pants, this year I'm feeling inspired to try them with slouchy boyfriend jeans and a crop top. The great thing about buying your trench coat from Burberry is that they offer complimentary tailoring to your hearts content.

two . white pumps
When it comes to shoes, I prefer a classic silhouette- pointy toes with a 4 inch stiletto heel and minimal to none platform. This year I just can't get enough of white pumps. After scouring the internet for a good few months I finally came across the perfect pair that's both lady-like and sexy. Thank you Michael Kors.

three . statement watch
I liken it to carrying the latest 'it' bag but in a less in-your-face kind of way. A good watch will make you feel 'put together' even on your most dowdiest days. I've had this Christian Dior watch for almost ten years now and I still love how relevant it is during the warmer months. I'll admit, I'm a huge fan of those Michael Kors/Marc Jacobs gold watches, but when it comes to luxury nothing beats an elegant investment piece.

four . pastel polishes
Pretty in pastel, that's how I like my nails in Spring. Actually this year I'm really loving bright white nails. For that I use an Essie polish in Blanc. Along with everything else demure, I'm also loving matching fingers to toes lately. No more two toned shades or interesting graphics. This year it's all about clean, simple, lady-like nails.

five . peachy pout
I love the look of matte lips. It's a great way to add colour without being provocative or suggestive as glossy lips sometimes do. While I prefer a pale pink or deep red in the cooler months, during Spring I love peachy tones. And it just so happens coral/peachy lips are so on-trend right now. Win-Win!

six . fresh flowers:
Although not really something wearable, I just had to throw this last item on the list. To me, fresh flowers are as essential and bread and water (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration but you get the point). A simple vase of fresh cut flowers has an incredible ability to heighten the mood and atmosphere of any room. This is THE Spring staple of all time.

The Current State of Street Style Photography

image via

Please indulge me for a minute while I diverge from my usual blogging content and inject some discourse on the current state of street style and street style photography.

I watched Tim Blanks' short film on the phenomenon of street style stalking this morning and could not get the image of Anna Dello Russo parading around like a dancing monkey out of my head. Those who follow {camo meets couture} may have already come across this video via my other social networking channels but it really is such an eye opener that I thought a dedicated blog post was necessary.

While the phenomenon of dressing up in outrageous clothing is nothing new, this peacock parade during fashion week with it's herd of accidental paparazzi's has blown to such a scale over the years that street style is not only loosing its authenticity but also becoming a dangerous sport. Sooner or later someone is going to get hurt. And rather than wearing something personal, the fashion week attendees don their most attention seeking outfits, each trying to outdo one another and the photographers just eat it up. They say any publicity is good publicity right? But what if the current state of things closely resembles those reality tv stars made famous for their narcissism and bad judgement? Although I should note there are attendees who choose to remain true to themselves and avoid the peacock parade.

Tim Blanks is spot on when he mentions how 'embarressed' he was for these people. Some parts of the film really were excruciating to watch. If you have a few spare minute, I urge you to see for yourself.


TAKE MY PICTURE from GARAGE Magazine on Vimeo.

Valentine's Greeting

Happy Valentine's Day readers! Thank you for all the love you've shown this little blog throughout the past year. I just love sharing with you my inspirations, ideas and general musings. I don't say it often enough, but thank you so much for visiting and I hope you've enjoyed your stay. Here's a little something from my home to yours. xo

Just in case you were interested in putting together your own little photo shoot, I've included some pics of the backdrop setup below. Everything you see here cost me a total of $6 and 20 minutes to make. The hardest part (as any mother of tots) can attest to is making your kids stand still and cooperating. After a lengthy two hour teeth grinding ordeal, I gave up and settled on these pics. Sure, I couldn't get a decent pic of the two of them together, sure most of the pics turned out blurry and sure their eyes were closed in half of the shots. But little imperfections add character right? Or so I tell myself.

Inspire Me: The Beauty of Books

There's something very special about a printed book that no amount of e-books in the world can replace. Upon a recent quest for new and noteworthy coffee table books, there was one book among the masses that caught my attention. It's called The Ideal Bookshelf by Jane Mount (November 13, 2012). While some may liken this book to Kramer's infamous coffee table book on coffee tables. For the avid reader and book enthusiast this comes as a window into the homes and minds of leading cultural figures as they share a collection of books that matter to them. Upon flipping through the pages you start to realise how little of the literary world you have actually conquered as you slowly take mental notes of titles to add to your reading list. If you are ever at all curious about what other people read, then this one's for you.

And when it comes to the love of the printed word I think author Joe Queenan said it best in an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal:

"People who need to possess the physical copy of a book, not merely an electronic version, believe that the objects themselves are sacred. Some people may find this attitude baffling, arguing that books are merely objects that take up space. This is true, but so are Prague, and your kids and the Sistine Chapel."

I'm staring to get off topic, but then again that's the beauty of the written word. One thought lead to another to another and soon you have a full discourse on the meaning of life. But I digress again. Since The Ideal Bookshelf is all about the books that define us, I couldn't help but ponder over the very same question myself. Which books have defined my life? Which books do I turn to? Which books have altered my course of history? The list in the picture above was no small feat to compile, in fact I had trouble filling in the titles of all ten blank books. I guess I have a lot more reading to do.

If you've made it this far then I must apologise for the heavy nature of this post. Don't worry it's back to my usual frivolous writings in the next one.

      My Ideal Bookshelf
                   available >> here and here.






Do you have a favourite book or reading list to share? What books have defined your life?

Cairns Photo Diary

Situated in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, Cairns is the gateway to the world famous Great Barrier Reef and also host to a weekend getaway the Mr and I recently went on. For anyone who's ever had a travel bucket list, this location deserves to be in your top ten.

The vast expanse of the green blue sea plays home to endless stretches of coral reefs viewable to the naked eye. Sailing around the Great Barrier Reef on a glass bottom boat was a life altering experience, all of a sudden a whole new world opened up. A world that until now was only ever viewed from the comforts of my own home or occasional aquarium visit. Seeing all these beautiful marine life in their natural territory was simply breathtaking. Without any warning the roles suddenly reversed and us humans became the guests, the aliens, visiting a foreign land. And because we foreigners were careful enough to tread ever so lightly, the local population greeted us with delight, often swimming up to snorkelers and divers and sometimes even putting on a show. It's nice to know there are places in the world that remain relatively untouched by humans.

I'm looking forward to the day when my daughters are old enough so we can visit again together.

Perfect year round weather and plenty of palm trees.

Beach essentials.

The public pool overlooking the ocean in the middle of downtown Cairns. 

Snorkelers by the pontoon of Marine World

Off to meet the locals

Sunset from the Shangri-la Hotel

Breakfast of champions

Mysterious fig tree

Cooling off at Millaa Millaa waterfalls

Abundant lush green rainforest

Recycling at it's best.

Friday's Fancies: Reliving Christmas

Well Christmas may have come and gone but I still refuse to say good-bye. Those few days out of the year are the only ones where you can feast without judgement, shop like there's no tomorrow and drink like a fish, all while spending it with your nearest and dearest whom you never get to see enough of. Is it just me, or does everyone seem a little lonelier come January? The new year may have officially started but that doesn't mean I can't hold onto those moments just a tad bit longer. Especially when they remind me of such warmer weather. Note to self, spend Christmas in Australia whenever possible. I promise after this post, there will be no more mention of all this bah humbug well, at least not for the next 12 months. For now, please indulge me for a moment.  

Spending a rare Christmas together with both my sister and cousin (who's like a sister as well). The last time we spent the holidays together was well over five years ago. Though life takes us on different directions (and continents) it's good to know that we will always have each other. Anyone who's ever had a sister will understand how strong that bond is.

Ah presents, definitely a highlight. So much effort each year goes into the funding, the brainstorming, the actual shopping, then the wrapping, the embellishing and finally, the unwrapping. But you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way. There's no better feeling than watching loved ones open gifts that you've carefully hand selected and wrapped. 

Not wanting to be outdone by my scrumptious turkey (or so I tell myself). In walks my mum on Christmas morning with 4 dozen fresh oysters, 2 kgs of rock lobster and the biggest wild caught barramundi anyone had ever seen. I'm almost sure that fish was older than both my daughters combined. Needless to say, Christmas dinner was spectacular this year. 

This sign makes me giddy, don't ask me why. Every time I see it, I feel like a little kid getting cookies ready for Santa. I don't even remember how many detours I've taken last month just so I could see it. Please tell me I'm not the only one that does things like this.   

It just isn't a party unless you're wearing a paper hat. Someone really should make Christmas bon-bons (or Christmas cracker) mainstream in America and save me the trouble of ordering from the UK or Australia. 

Hello 2013

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all survived the silly season without too many incriminating photographs. In true mommy style, I rang in the new year hiding out in the girl's room ushering them to sleep. After a relaxing 5 month long vacation in Australia ending with a frenzied Christmas dash, we are finally back home in chilly Tennessee. I'm looking forward to all that 2013 will bring just so long as the girls can first shake off their little case of jetlag. Going to bed at 6am is getting old, and mommy needs her sleep. So to recap on the year that was, here are my 12 favourite moments caught on instagram. #donewith2012 #hello2013 #letsmakeitcount

{from top left to bottom right}

1. Spending countless sunsets by sea

2. Quality family time

3. Savouring fresh seafood in Australia

4. Surprise birthday for my two year old

5. A much needed getaway with the hubs

6. The birth of {camo meets couture}

7. Red balloon first birthday party

8. Shopping in Australia

9. Weekend getaways to wine country Victoria

10. Fueling a life long love for the sea and sand

11. Admiring my sister's talent for baking

12. Looking forward to having hubby home

Click here to connect on instagram.

Wardrobe Diaries: Merry and Bright

Dear readers, thank you for making 2012 so remarkable. Here's a special little outfit post I put together for the holidays. I do hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed precariously posing on this faux balcony. Sending lots of love your way this Christmas. May your holidays be full of good food, good friends and good laughs. Merry Christmas! See you in the new year.

{ wearing: anthropologie dress . kookai belt . michael shannon pumps }